'The Inventor', c 1855.

Description

Stereo-daguerreotype probably taken by T R Williams, of an inventor with his collection of globes, microscopes, barometers and other instruments. Daguerreotypes were images produced as direct positives on sensitised metal plates. The proces involved long exposure times and produced only one image. Despite the amazing detail that the daguerreotype produced, the delicate surfaces meant that they had to be encased behind glas. The daguerreotype proved not to be a practical form of photography.